We aren't always certain what webs of connectedness might be woven between Smithsonian Transcription Center projects. Indeed, the impact of transcription and making digitized collections publicly available is not always immediately clear. Yet, the effects of opening collections and knowledge transfer became very clear on May 06 - thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of volunteers like Siobhan Leachman and Heidi Moses.

"Thought you might be interested in what Charlotte Ellis had to say on the Smithsonian Institute: "Then in September came her visit to Washington, D. C. Charlotte's letter to Kate describes her visit to the Smithsonian Institution: On my first day in Washington I went to the Smithsonian Institution to see how my collection of flowers was being housed. I did not see many of the specimens because they had been filed away with others, each with its kind. However, I asked to see one plant, at least, and mentioned Primula ellisea [sic] Pollard and Cockerell, a primrose I had discovered in the Sandia Mountains. The assistant curator of the plant department took me into the filing room and I marveled to see him put his hand right on the specimen. The filing system was that perfect. It was the thrill of a lifetime to again hold in my hand the little flower which I had gathered and pressed forty seven years ago.""

And on we went with our transcribing and review. Identifying people and specimens in the field notes, and sharing what we uncovered - on Twitter, Facebook, and via e-mails. Fast forward to yesterday, May 06: